2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

Intro

The Toyota Land Cruiser is SUV built for drivers looking for a luxurious ride with off-roading capabilities.

The 2013 Land Cruiser will see some modifications to its interior, improved ride comfort and improved noise intrusion as improvements for the 2013 model year.

Under the Hood and Performance

For the 2013 model year, Toyota opted to keep the Land Cruisers’ 5.7-liter V-8 engine. This engine provides the massive Land Cruiser with better acceleration than most SUV’s in its class, giving drivers the ability to drive with authority (Especially on those highways). The 2013 Land Cruisers mixes power with an extremely high riding position that puts drivers’ within eye level to most work trucks, giving them a sense of command.

The Land Cruiser is EPA-rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway, however if you are in the market for a Land Cruiser, chances are you get it because of its roading capabilities and impressive Towing power, not for its gas mileage.

The Land Cruiser's suspension system is equipped with a hydraulically variable stabilizer bar which automatically adapts to on- and off-road terrain. It will also feature a selectable "Crawl" control that features five low-speed settings for driving through a variety of off-road terrains.

The standard 2013 Land Cruiser can tow up to 8,200 pounds, which is equivalent to the Chevy Tahoe. It also comes standard with a trailer-sway control mode for the stability system.

Interior

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser features front- and second-row seats that are exceptionally comfortable over long hauls, offering plenty of room in every direction. While the third row is not as comfortable, it allows the Land Cruiser to fit 8 as opposed to seven like most SUV’s in the class and thus we let it slide.

The 2013 Land Cruiser’s third-row seats fold up to the side, allowing 43 cubic feet of cargo space. We would like to see this improved for next year, as the impressive size of this SUV leaves room to add more cargo space.

Features

The 2013 Land Cruiser comes equipped with a long list of standard features including: keyless entry and start, a power moon roof, high-intensity discharge headlights, skid plates, four-zone climate control, a navigation system, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, USB/IPod connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, four exterior cameras for 360-degree Multi-terrain Monitoring, a rear entertainment system, heated and ventilated front seats, and dynamic cruise control.

Conclusion

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser offers drivers plenty to love between its off-roading and towing capabilities, its refined driving environment and its impressive list of features.

While the 2013 Land Cruiser’s starting price of $77,955 will scare away the average buyer, if you are in line for a luxury SUV with plenty of features and even more grit, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is for you.

The bottom line is, if you can afford this bad boy without risking your children’s college tuition definitely give it a look. We promise it will not disappoint

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It!

Whats New?

For the 2013 model year Toyota proved the philosophy of if the shoe fits wear it!

For 2013 the new Toyota Tacoma will feature a new Limited grade package, just like the one offered on the Tundra. Also, every engine and body configuration will now carry daytime running lights, and all body types will have a new display screen when equipped with the Toyota’s Entune package. Lastly, all Tacoma models that are equipped with the Entune system will get added steering-wheel switches.

Limited Package

The 2013 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 and PreRunner with the automatic transmission will be offered with a new Limited Package which includes the following features:  Chrome grille surrounds and rear bumper, chrome fog lamp housings, chrome door handles, chrome and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators underneath, SofTex-trimmed heated front sport seats (with four-way adjustable driver’s seat), 18-inch chrome alloy wheels with P265/60R18 tires, color-keyed front bumper and over fenders, fog lamps, variable speed wipers, metallic tone instrument-panel trim, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-trimmed shifter, dual sun visors with extenders (with lighted mirrors), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with monitor and outside temperature gauge and HomeLink, as well as chrome Limited badging.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2013 Tacoma is the following: For the 4x2 Regular Cab with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission the price will start at $17,520. For the 4x4 Double Cab V-6 long bed with a five-speed automatic the price goes up to $28,090.

Conclusion

Clearly, the 2013 model has no significant changes from the 2012 model, with the few exceptions listed above; however as we said before “if the shoe fits, wear it”. The 2012 model offered some great interior and exterior changes for the Toyota Tacoma. We don’t expect the same to follow next year, however for now the Toyota Tacoma took one more step at perfecting their craft.

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Venza

Introduction

The Toyota Venza offers a combination of a great look, roominess and versatility that made it a main stay in the North American market. The 2013 Toyota Venza will be no different, offering consumers with SUV flexibility thanks to its fold-flat rear seats, a spacious cargo area, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

What’s new for 2013?

The 2013 Toyota Venza now offers a redesigned exterior, as well as several new standard features and updated option packages that include Toyota’s Entune multi-media system.

The Venza’s exterior redesign will add a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Venza will also get a 19-inch wheel design.

The 2013 Toyota Venza will be available in three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.

Interior Design

The 2013 Toyota Venza offers three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Each color is offered in fabric and leather depending on the trim. 

One plus to the 2013 Toyota Venza is that it has a uniquely designed center console that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the vehicles space is accessible from their seating position.

Trims and features

The 2013 Toyota Venza is available in the following trims: The base LE, mid-range XLE and the top of the line Limited trim.

The 2013 Venza is offered as either a four-cylinder or V-6 in the base LE and mid-range XLE trims while the Limited model is only available as a V-6.

Each trim level adds new features for the 2013 Venza. Those who buy the LE model will get new Display Audio systems, puddle lamps, a blind-spot side mirrors, and outer turn signals. In addition to Entune multi-media features, XLE models add on reverse-tilt outside mirrors, a memory power driver's seat, and a navigation system. The top of the line Limited models now get the above mentioned features plus LED daytime running lights, premium 13-speaker JBL sound and an upgraded navigation system.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Venza offers four and six cylinder models in FWD and AWD versions.  The Venza’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine pushes 181 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque and is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.The 3.5-liter V6 is able to produce 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD. 

Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), which helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

The 2013 Venza offers an available Towing Prep Package on V6 models which add on an engine oil cooler, a larger radiator fan and a heavy-duty alternator.

Safety

Safety features on the 2013 Venza include Toyota's STAR Safety System which features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).Other safety features include: a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags, Front seat-belt pretensioners and more.

One great safety feature in the 2013 Venza is the active headrests found on the driver and passenger seats.  This feature equips the seat with a cable mechanism that will move the headrest upward and forward if the vehicle is struck from the rear, and thus limiting the movement of the occupant's head.

Conclusion

I want to get my hands on one and give it a test drive! The new exterior gives it a much better look, while the extra features should make this one worth a trip to your dealer.

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2013 Toyota Highlander

Vehicle Overview

Offered in front- and all-wheel-drive form, the Toyota Highlander crossover returns for the 2013 model year with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine. The Toyota Highlander offers three rows for seating and can seat up to seven people comfortably.

Additions for 2013

For the 2013 model year the Toyota Highlander will now offer a new Plus trim level. This trim has all of the base Highlander's features as well as lift-up rear glass window, fog lights, a backup camera, black roof rails, easy-clean fabric upholstery and a Display Audio system. 

Exterior

The exterior to the 2013 Toyota Highlander offers Chrome accents on the rocker panels, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels for the base and SE trims. The Limited trim level adds chrome roof rails on the Highlander, as well as 19-inch wheels.

Exterior features for the 2013 Highlander include standard variable intermittent windshield wipers, as well as an Optional moon roof and power lift gate.

Interior

The inside of the 2013 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard third-row seat that is able to fold into the floor in a 50/50 split. The second-row bench features a removable center seat that is packed in a compartment below the front-seat center console converting the second row into two individual seats with a center aisle or removable a center console. Both seats can recline and are adjustable forward and back. The passenger-side seat has a walk-in feature to allow easier access to the Highlander’s third-row.

Other interior features include: a Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel, an optional three-zone automatic air conditioning, Standard fabric upholstery ( with leather optional), Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack, an Optional rear entertainment system and an Optional touch-screen navigation system

With the second and third rows folded down the Highlander is able to hold 95.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.

Under the Hood

Under the hood, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is standard equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, with the option for 3.5-liter V-6. Four-cylinder models come with front-wheel drive, while V-6 engine gives drivers the choice between front- or all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder engine is able to produce 187 horsepower and 186 pounds-feet of torque, while the V-6 engine makes 270 hp and 248 pounds-feet of torque

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2013 Toyota Highlander include: side curtain, side impact and driver’s knee airbags, Antilock brakes, an Electronic stability system and Active front head restraints.

The 2013 Toyota Highlander will also be available as a hybrid. More details on the hybrid coming soon!

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Camry

Intro

The Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling vehicles in the Toyota lineup. For the 2013 model year the Toyota Camry will see a few redesigns, offering several upgrades in the look, interior and features. As always the 2013 Camry will provide consumers with a roomy and comfortable interior and a great set of features.

Under the Hood.

The 2013 Toyota Camry will offer two versions of the gas-electric Camry Hybrid. Both Hybrid engines on the 2013 Toyota Camry will be mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission that will also allow manual type gear control via a floor shift lever.

The new 2013 Toyota Camry is available in four trim levels L, LE, SE and XLE

The all-new 2013 Toyota Camry will offer two available engines. The first is a 2.5-liter 4 cylinder engine that is able to produce 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The 4 cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/35 hwy/28 combined. The second choice is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is likely to remain at 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Expect the V-6 to be available for the 2013 Camry SE and XLE models in place of the four-cylinder. Fuel economy for the V6 engine is an impressive 21/30/25

The 2013 Toyota Camry offers 16-inch diameter wheels on the L and LE models, 17-inch on XLE versions and on four-cylinder SE models, and 18-inch on V-6 SEs.

Features and Safety

Features on the 2013 Toyota Camry includes a new upgraded Web-based Entune system which features an integrated smartphone suite for Pandora music streaming, search engine services Bing, radio streaming and real-time traffic. The 2013 Camry also comes equipped with Bluetooth, and iPod/USB input.

Standard safety features include ABS brakes with stability and traction control, blind-spot monitoring system, brake assist, and ten standard airbags (including front and rear seat side airbags as well as full length curtain side airbags and knee airbags for both driver and passenger). 

Prices on the 2013 Toyota Camry will range from $ 22,055 to $ 24,775.

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Prius V

The 2013 Toyota Prius V is back this year, and fans will be pleased to know that it shouldn’t see many changes from its 2012 predecessor. The beauty of the 2013 Prius V is that it has a similar basic design and powertrain used in the current Toyota Prius, yet takes it one step further by making it bigger and more cargo friendly.

The 2013 Prius V will be available in three models: Two, Three, and Five.

Those who buy the Five model will have the option for an Advanced Technology Package that adds on the following features: an upgraded navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, parking assist, Toyota's adaptive cruise control, Pre-Collision system, and the Entune infotainment system.

The 2013 Prius V is powered by 1.8-liter gasoline engine combined to a battery-powered electric motor that pushes out 134 combined horsepower. Just like the original Prius, the 2013 Prius V is able to run on one or both of its power sources, providing drivers with a balance between acceleration and fuel economy.

No plug-in charging station is required for the 2013 Prius V. It is stocked with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that makes the car perform like an automatic.

Safety features on all 2013 Prius V include traction control, ABS, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. As always, every Toyota comes with Toyota’s Complimentary Maintenance Plan, Toyota Care.

The 2013 Prius V will be one of the first Toyota vehicles to use its new Entune multimedia system.

Toyota’s Entune multimedia system works with your smartphone to provide Prius drivers and passengers with Internet-search capability. Need to find information on your favorite restaurant or check movie times? Just check your Entune. Need to check out the score to the game? Just check out your Entune! The Entune system is even capable of reading text messages aloud, allowing drivers to focus on the road.

The 2013 Prius V comes standard with keyless access and engine start. It also offers an optional panoramic sunroof.

Keep checking back for a more detailed review of the 2013 Prius V. Once we get our hands on one you’ll be the first to know!

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